Last week, a committee in the South Carolina House of Representatives rushed forward with a bill (H. 4624) that would strip away medically necessary care from transgender youth.
These lawmakers can’t plead ignorance. We were there in the room as they heard hours of testimony from doctors, counselors, educators, parents, and family members explaining how gender-affirming care is life-saving, life-giving care. Our own executive director, Jace Woodrum, offered his testimony as a trans man who wants a better world for trans kids today.
Despite the fact that House Bill 4624 advanced to the full House of Representatives, we were able to persuade lawmakers to insert some amendments that reduce harm. Mental healthcare providers are now exempted from the penalties described in the bill, and lawmakers struck language that would have made it illegal to “aid and abet” in the provision of care. Our words were not in vain.
Stick with us. We’re going to stay and fight. Here’s what to expect this week.
House debate on trans healthcare ban for minors
We expect to see debate on the floor of the South Carolina House of Representatives starting this Wednesday, Jan. 17. As a reminder, H. 4624 would ban medically necessary healthcare for transgender South Carolinians under age 18.
As a reminder, this bill would prohibit puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and other forms of gender-affirming care, regardless of the wishes of trans youth, their parents, or their medical providers. (Currently in South Carolina, gender-related healthcare for children always requires parental support, and gender affirmation surgeries aren’t performed on people under 18.)
Our allies at the Women’s Rights and Empowerment Network (WREN) have a page on their website that will connect you with your House member so you can call them today and demand they vote NO on H. 4624. Click here to check it out.
Social media restrictions in the works
Last week a Senate bill limiting minors’ use of social media (S. 882) received a favorable report from the Committee on Family and Veterans’ Services. Among other things, this bill would require all South Carolinians to prove they are 18 years or older to use social media sites or to obtain parental permission if they are under 18.
We’re keeping an eye on this bill, which could have serious implications for the free-speech rights of both children and adults. A similar law in Arkansas, for example, faced legal challenges and was blocked by a federal court in September 2023.
Still time to push back against statewide censorship
Due to inclement weather, the State Board of Education met virtually last week but still heard testimony from South Carolinians who opposed a statewide ban on books containing “descriptions or visual depictions of ‘sexual conduct.’” You still have the opportunity to weigh in against the censorship proposal in writing.
You can also submit public input on the censorship proposal until January 22 by emailing sclreg@ed.sc.gov or by using this contact form on our website. You can read the full proposal and our concerns about it here.
Supporters of trans youth rallied on the State House steps on January 10, 2024, in opposition to House Bill 4624.
